Bob Harris, the veteran BBC Radio 2 DJ, has given a health update on his cancer battle, revealing that his prostate cancer has spread to his upper spine, causing what he described as 'excruciating pain'. According to major media reports, Harris, 80, said the discovery came after several scans to find the reason for the pain in his back. He described the news as 'really frightening'.
Harris immediately began a course of radiotherapy and spent two weeks in hospital to bring the cancer under control. He is now at home on the pathway to recovery, feeling stronger every day, and has started a programme of rehab. He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and continues to live with the disease.
I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time...
In a social media post, Harris thanked the team at Radio 2, Zoe Ball, and his radio replacements Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny for their support. He said Helen Thomas and the BBC Radio 2 family have been 'supportive beyond words' and that he is certain he will return to his programmes as soon as he is able. He has set a personal target of mid-May for his Country show and the end of May for Sounds of the 70's to return.
Reflecting on his journey, Harris recalled that two years ago he said he counts 'every day as a blessing'. He advised any male over 50 to get checked for prostate cancer, urging them to 'GET YOURSELF CHECKED' if they haven't already. Harris also expressed gratitude for the messages sent via conversations with Zoe Ball recorded for his 80th birthday programme, noting that he had no idea then that he was about to relive the very experiences they talked about.
When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back. Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news...
So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy - two weeks in hospital in total - to bring things back under control. Thankfully I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day...
I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son [Miles Myerscough-Harris] who took the photograph...
My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I can’t even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much.
Helen Thomas and the BBC Radio 2 family have also been supportive beyond words and I know for certain that I’ll be returning to my programmes as soon as I am able.
I’ve set a personal target of mid-May for Country and the end of May for Sounds of the 70’s. I know that my friends @dariusrucker and @shaunkeaveny_ have been doing a fabulous job… but I absolutely cannot wait to be back...
Thank you for all the messages you’ve sent via the conversations Zoe Ball and I recorded for my 80th birthday programme. I had no idea then that I was about to relive the very experiences we talked about!...
Just want to send so much love to Zoe and to everyone who have been in touch.See you soon folks! xxx
I occasionally have to go through moments of intensive top-up treatments, and I have to take some pretty hefty daily medication to keep my cancer under control, the difficult side-effects of which can often bring my emotions far too close to the surface! But my cancer was detected early and I count every day as a blessing.
My massive advice to any male over 50 reading this is GET YOURSELF CHECKED if you haven